The aftermath of the Consumer Electronics Show leaves us with a bevy of innovations to consider as the must-have gadgets for this year. So, with the lights now off for good at CES 2018, here’s ZEITGUIDE’s take on what will leave a lasting impression in the year ahead.

AR and VR’s Advance
We don’t expect the year to end with everyone wearing their own pair of AR glasses, or using VR headsets in their living rooms. But steady improvements to these technologies might mean that day is getting closer.

New AR hardware at CES touted improvements to key product features such as a wider field of view (Realmax’s AR Goggles), Alexa integration (in the Vuzix Blade) and incorporating internal processors that allow glasses to run without the help of a PC or smartphone (as seen with Rokid Glass). Samsung’s C-Lab showed off a prototype of its Relúmĭno smart glasses, intended to help people with impaired vision by making objects more discernable or printed words easier to read.

In the VR space, HTC debuted the Vive Pro, which is positioned to compete directly with Facebook’s Oculus Rift as another high-end option for VR buffs. Google and Lenovo showed off their standalone headset, meaning no powerful PC is required to run it, called the Mirage. The device allows users to move unencumbered around a room, another step toward full VR immersion and a better overall user experience.

Auto Assistance
The battle over which tech giant will own the space in your car continues to heat up. Kia announced that some of its 2018 models will feature the help of Google Assistant, joining Hyundai. Toyota and Lexus models will adopt Amazon’s Alexa, following similar announcements last year from BMW, Ford and Nissan.

Fully Unplugged
Apple getting on the wireless charging train with its latest iPhone has been a boon to wireless charging accessories. Get used to seeing wireless charging ports in Starbucks or even on the center console of new car models. Taking things a step further, startup Energous recently secured the go ahead from the FCC on a device that could charge your laptop as well as other devices from up to three feet away.

Better Homes
So much for showing off how big your TV is. LG’s 65-inch OLED TV rolls up into a white box when you turn it off. Sony’s 4K Ultra Short Throw Projector can project a 120-inch image on your wall from a device that easily hides away in a side table.

Getting in on the race to own the hub for all your smart devices is GE. Its Family Hub is a 27-inch touchscreen that goes right above your stove and controls the smart appliances throughout your home, makes video calls or can help you master a new recipe; that is unless you’ve already been doing all of that on your Echo Show.

Keeping in Shape
Last year was a notably difficult one for exercise-focused wearables, punctuated by Jawbone going under. That’s not deterring others from continuing to innovate in the space. Soul Electronics’ Run Free Bio and Blade headphones are like having a running coach in your ear. These ear buds analyze your running stride and give coaching tips to improve your form. A project between L’Oreal, MC10 and Fuseproject produced UV Sense, a wearable piece of nail art that measures how much UV hits your body. That’s one way to avoid a sunburn.